64 Age-Restricted Townhomes, JCC Expansion Could Replace Alstede Farm Stand In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The future of the family-owned Alstede Farms's farm stand off Route 202/206 in Bridgewater may be in jeopardy as 64 age-restricted townhomes are being proposed to be built.

The farm stand opened in April 2021 at 831 Route 202/206 in Bridgewater. That is the same 15-acre property that 821 Bridgewater LLC, a subsidiary of JMF Properties, is proposing to develop.

"We are indeed aware of the application although as tenants of the property, we are not privy to all of the information," said Alstede Farms Brand Manager Kyle J. Holman. "Still though, our goal is to remain in Bridgewater in some capacity to further our commitment in providing that region with farm fresh produce and goods."

The application, which also includes a proposal to expand the Jewish Community Center(JCC) of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren property, was presented before the Bridgewater Zoning Board on Tuesday night.

"This property has been kicked around for a long time. Had many people look at it," said Kevin Coakley, who is representing the applicant, at the Tuesday meeting.

The 15-acre property consists of two lots at 321 and 831 Route 202/206. The application is proposing developing the 64 townhomes on a 12-acre portion of the property.

The townhomes would be restricted to residents ages 55 and over.

Coakley alluded to the fact that Bridgewater could use these townhomes for their affordable housing obligation.

Township Planner Katherine Sarmed confirmed Bridgewater has pending litigation in regard to affordable housing which will be heard in January. And while the number of housing units Bridgewater would be obligated to has not been confirmed yet, Sarmed said she knows the Township "will have a number and obligation moving forward."

The other 3 acres, located on the west side and adjoining the JCC, would be used to expand the JCC property.

"The JCC needs the 3 acres for their existing programs. There is an existing house that will be used for JCC office purposes and a barn to be used for storage. And the bulk of the property is open space, a cleared area that will be used for recreational programs," said Coakley. "They desperately need this 3 acre property."

The applicant is seeking four variances since the property is only zoned for single-family dwellings.

Coakley told the Zoning Board he felt this application was an opportunity to do two "very good things."

"One is to allow the JCC to expand which is critical to them and they are in need of extra space to handle their clientele," said Coakley.

The second is to provide housing for the senior residents.

"Local residents don't want to leave Bridgewater, they want to stay in Bridgewater but they don't want to have a place to go that's extremely expensive, that's not near anything, they want to stay near their family and friends … that's what the purpose of having age-restricted housing is," said Coakley.

One concern with the proposed development was stormwater management, which was raised by Board President Jeff Foose.

"Safety is paramount," said Foose. "Safety comes first."

Foose referred to Superstorm Ida where locals were swept away in flood waters. Three people were killed during the September 2021 storm.

"Some of these things that have happened in our town make us extremely aware and we want to be very careful on how we develop properties," said Foose.

The meeting lasted around three hours and will be carried to Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. The applicant will have their traffic engineer and planner testify. The Township Zoning Board's traffic expert will also testify.

To view the full application click here.

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